Michael Graves

Michael Graves was an American architect, designer, and one of the principal figures in the Postmodernist movement. Born in Indianapolis, he began teaching architecture at Princeton in 1962. Identified as one of The New York Five, as well as the Memphis Group, Graves was known first for his contemporary building designs and some prominent public commissions that became iconic examples of Postmodern architecture. His powerful and energetic architectural works include the Portland Building, the Humana Building, the expansion of the Detroit Institute of Arts, and the Newark Museum. In the 1980s Graves designed a series of playful household items for the Italian design company Alessi. The series included his best-selling and iconic kettle, 9093 Bird Kettle which expanded his recognition beyond architecture. In 2001 Graves was awarded the American Institute of Architects Gold Medal (AIA) for lifetime achievement.